LeBron, Cavs Starters Likely to Get Some Rest

Nice ... some good news for us.

Reading the Cavs news page via NBC Sports they mention that LeBron, Mo and AP could sit out some games this week and Jamison because of his shoulder will likely miss games this week too to rest up for the playoffs.

Oh ya, Shaq still isn't expected back till later this week too. *phew*

So, no pressure tonight but if all of those 4 are resting tonight we'd better win.

LeBron James is dealing with a sore left elbow and other minor ailments, and has made it clear that he wants some rest in the next five games.

The Cavaliers have clinched the league's best record (and home court throughout the playoffs), so there is no reason to push any of the starters. Something to keep in mind -- with Shaquille O'Neal potentially returning this week, LBJ and others could rest Tuesday, Thursday or Friday with the intention of all playing when Shaq is healthy.

Cavs can decide who they'd like to play in the first round

But how Mike Brown decides to use his starters and when LeBron James decides to sit out games could have a big impact on who makes or misses this seasonís playoffs. And more importantly, in a race this close, the Cavaliers can have a huge impact on who they will face in the first round.

By playing his starters against Toronto, he hands Chicago the chance to be tied or ahead of the Raptors in the standings when the Cavs arrive in the windy city. Brown would then have the chance to temporarily gift the Bulls eighth place.

But if Mike Brown rests his starters on Tuesday and then plays them on Thursday, he could all but end Chicagoís post-season hopes.

Bulls are play off tested, but they are also missing Gordon, Tyrus and Salmons from last years team. All three of those guys upped thier games vs boston.

Match up wise, I think they are better prepared to handle Bron and they have no one to put on Rose.

I think the raptors have a higher ceiling of play than the bulls do, but its all about momentum and the bulls seem to be in the right gear, with the right leader and last years pseudo success to build on.

I think the raptors have a better chance to upset the Cavs, around 2-3 percent depending on what the pizza pizza specials are, but the bulls are far more likelier to give them a better series.